by AE Watson
“You can ask me that question again,” I said to Thomas as I sat on the end of his bed.
“Why did you want to know about Lord Enderby?” he asked right away, as if it had been on the tip of his tongue since I left.
“He will be the one to take care of Marana and you if you want—”
“I want to stay here with our aunts. I don’t want to go back!”
“And you will,” I reassured him. “You will stay with them until you feel ready and brave. And in the meantime, Lord Enderby will be cleaning up the messes your grandfather made. He will be your regent as you age and heal.”
“You can stay with us as long as you need. You’re our family, Thomas. We share the same blood. Same as Amillia. You are both always welcomed here.” Katy sat with him, stroking his head. “No one expects you to rush back to the city.”
“You are safe here. And when you go home to the city, you will be safe there too. Your cousin is the king of all of Enderoth. You are his chosen steward when you come of age. What happened to you will never happen again. I promise you that.” I leaned in. “Did your grandfather tell you what kind of person I am?”
His eyes widened and he nodded.
“Then you should know having me and that dragon out there on your side, means no one will ever touch you. They won’t even think on it.” It was boastful but I needed him to trust me and begin to feel safe again. I couldn’t imagine being his age when my family was murdered brutally. “Do you want to meet him?” I nodded my head at the door.
“He should stay in bed another day before moving,” Katy insisted.
“Yes, we can’t have him interrupting the healing.” Mani yawned and I knew it was from the draining amount of work she and Katy had done to save his life.
Thomas lay back in the bed and yawned too. “It’s okay, I’m tired again now.” He glanced at me, visibly thinking something but he kept it to himself and closed his eyes.
Mani nodded her head at the door. I followed her out.
“He has no desire to be steward. You can’t force this on him. He’s a young boy.”
I contemplated lying to her but remembered how well all the lies had served us. “I don’t expect him to be steward. Not ever. But I do expect the guise of him one day coming to the city to be steward will motivate Lord Enderby and the sob story will keep the people loyal to the throne. Brave and noble Lord Enderby will sit on the throne as the regent and protect the people of Marana in the name of the orphaned victim of the mad king’s massacre. Or was it his insane cousin? That family, what a tragedy to befall such a sweet young man. Surely, that’s worth some loyalty.”
She arched an eyebrow.
“I know, it’s monstrous to use him this way.” I sighed and muttered under my breath, “But let’s be honest, it’s the least monstrous thing I’ve done in years.”
“You really are becoming a proper politician. I didn’t think I’d see the day but here we are.” She folded her thin arms and held something back. A thought or feeling she wanted to share but chose not to. “You will go home then?”
“After I see Lord Enderby at the castle. I’ve got to send Michael word of where I’m at. He will be upset and likely believing the story I killed our uncle. And all those children.”
“Why don’t you go home to him now, spend the night in your own bed. I’ll come and get you tomorrow around midday and take you to the castle the same way again?”
The offer was beyond tempting. “You don’t mind?”
“No, Artan can rest too. He gets worried when you’re off galivanting about.” She waved me off.
“I would be eternally grateful for the chance to go home. Even for one night.” I hated it but I said it. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. I’m your aunt. Your family. And no matter what you think, I am your friend. So is Katy. We love you.” She took a step forward. “I know we haven’t always made the right choices, but please know, our heart has always been in the right place.”
“Okay,” I agreed, accepting her non-apology.
Completely out of character, she rushed me, pulling me into her arms. She held me tightly, trembling fingers and all. I understood it was the death of her family in the castle getting to her so I hugged back. She and Katy had driven me crazy but they had lost people, along with Thomas. People they didn’t see anymore, but clearly still loved and grieved.
Chapter 12
I waved again to Mani as she closed the door and vanished. It was good to be home.
Feeling the load of Marana leave my shoulders, I entered the grand room to find Michael with his council staring at a map on the massive table. They had their backs to me. I cleared my throat, making them all turn toward me.
“Tell me you didn’t murder our uncle and his entire family along with the royal family from Midland!” Michael shouted, striding to me.
“I didn’t murder anyone.” I put my hands up. “It was Uncle Errol.” My gaze flickered to the eyes of the council. “And the entire family didn’t perish. Would you prefer to hear this news in front of everyone or alone?” I didn’t hide my annoyance.
“Better to get to the truth of the matter so there aren’t lies spreading about,” Michael grumbled.
“The lies will be spread, regardless.” I narrowed my gaze at the council, aware of what they already believed to be true.
“What happened, Millia?”
The story had become nothing to me while being everything. I spoke it, explaining what had befallen the royals, our family. I finished by explaining Thomas’ recovery. I saved the false steward part for later when we were truly alone.
“Gods,” Michael whispered at the end. “That poor boy. And the aunts don’t mind him staying with them?”
“He’s their family too,” I said with a shrug.
“And Lord Enderby?” Michael asked about the part I’d kept to myself. He was well informed for being so far from Marana.
“He will remain on the throne as regent until Thomas is old enough to be the steward,” I confirmed.
“How did you get Ullrich to agree to this? He was one of father’s favorite people but a complete grump. Quite disagreeable if I recall.” Michael glanced at an advisor who nodded in agreement.
“He was shocked and saddened by the deaths of the royal families and the betrayal Thomas faced. He will do this for Thomas.” I held back the part about him not doing it for us.
“This is unexpected,” Michael said after a moment. He nodded. “Well done, Millia.”
The praise hit me hard, making me beam before I could control it. “I have more good news.”
“More than just Lord Ullrich taking the throne. By the gods, hit me with it.” He relaxed and laughed even.
“The aunts told me that Grayson has taken the Degha army. They’re no longer loyal to Anamay. Fantol is completely freed. It’s been bloody but he’s done it. And I assume he will go to Altaros next and the land should be ready for the elves to return, if that is their desire. Which the aunts suggested it would be.”
“That is excellent news. Yesterday we received word from Clarabelle that the elves have decided upon a new ruler, someone she is pleased with. A queen who is a cousin and quite old and wise. And they will be readying their ships to sail for Altaros when they receive word from Grayson it is settled and theirs.”
“One small piece of the puzzle clicks into place,” I muttered.
“Indeed.”
“And what of Clarabelle and the fanged ones?”
“She says they have chosen to stay in the night woods for now.” Michael sat again, taking a grape and eating it. “This is the first good news in ages.”
“Max is in Firth and the moment the wedding is over, he will be in Midland. Do you have an army there clearing up the chaos?” I sat across from him as the other council members took their seats.
“I do. A large portion of our army is there. And Strath has sent a league of fighters to Marana. They will be arriving in Watergate tomorrow. I had hoped yo
u would be there at the castle to greet them.” He arched an eyebrow.
“I will be.” I sighed and rose from the table. “Which means, the elves, Marana, Strath, Firth, Ettelbruck, Midland, and Montagne are sorted. After the wedding, I will go to Florents and arrange the steward there and then it is done.”
“And maybe by then Grayson will have Anamay dealt with and our world will be sailing for peace.” Michael sounded content. “Well done, Sister.”
“Thank you. It’s been a draining experience.”
“I understand.” He chuckled and ate another grape, earning smiles from his council.
“I’m going to take a hot bath and sleep like the dead. Good day, all. Lovely to see you as always. Brother, if you could arrange with Cook to have dinner brought up to me, I would be forever grateful.” I was nearly asleep on my feet.
“After the successes you’ve had, little sister, I would make you dinner myself,” he called after me.
I paused in the doorway. “Please don’t. I’m quite hungry and looking forward to a good meal, and you can’t even boil water.”
The room erupted in a chorus of laughter as I walked for the foyer and the massive staircase.
A hot bath had already been poured for me, courtesy of the maids who saw me come in from the weird doorway in the hall. I stripped and climbed in, letting the too-hot water singe as I soaked.
I closed my eyes and waited for my mind to stop buzzing.
My thoughts sorted themselves, pushing down the terrifying and painful and lifting up the happier ones.
It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.
Chapter 13
“Did you sleep well?” Mani asked as we walked to the doorway she had made into Marana from the castle hallway in Ettelbruck.
“Like the dead,” I answered. “Thank you. I needed that night at home. This has been exhausting. I’m ready for these kingdoms to sort themselves out. Bunch of incompetent and corrupt bastards.”
“I already told you, we’re here for you. Stop acting like we’re doing you favors and expect our aid.” She sniffed and walked through with me at the same time her appearance changed to the haggard old woman.
“Are you ready for this?” I asked, resting a hand on one of my swords. The pit of my stomach ached with dread as the door vanished behind us.
We were in an alleyway this time, close to the castle. I smelled the stench of burning flesh and heard the cries of angry mobs.
Mani and I pushed our way through the crowd, trying to be inconspicuous, but a few faces turned my way to protest being shoved and stopped when they saw me.
“Princess,” a voice whispered.
“Assassin,” another said louder.
“Come to finish us off,” someone speculated.
Trying not to react, I followed Mani who strode too fast for the state of her body in that disguise, though it worked. People moved or allowed her to forcibly move them.
We made our way to the gates of the castle where guards with weapons out and panic-stricken faces greeted us violently, shouting, “Get back!”
Clearly, they had heard about the army coming.
I pulled back the hood of my cloak, letting the sun hit my red hair. Eyes widened. Several guards lowered their weapons while others lifted them in an aggressive jerk.
“I’ve come as a liaison for my brother. Lord Enderby is expecting me,” I spoke softly to the guard who the others watched, as if waiting on word of their next actions from him.
“Lord Enderby is expecting no one!” the guard screamed in my face, close enough that his words landed on my cheek. I wiped away his spit, taking the moment I needed to remain calm.
But he had no intention of staying calm. And he didn’t fear me, which was an odd realization. He believed he could best me. The sound of him shifting, his body tensing and grinding armor against armor was all I needed for an invitation.
I pulled my swords and cracked my neck with a jerk and a stretch. “I said, ‘Lord Enderby is expecting me,’” I repeated, remaining calm. The people around us pushed back, giving us space.
He swung his broadsword but I spun, more agile without the weight of heavy armor and a thick weapon. He missed and when his sword pulled him forward I stepped behind him, sliding my much lighter sword against his throat and leaning in so my words kissed his sweaty ear, “You will take me to him now.”
He wallowed and tensed, as if unaware of all the tells he had. I jerked the blade in harder, drawing a sliver of blood from him. He relaxed but it was fake. I let go of him and kicked his back, making him stagger forward. He spun, wanting to continue to fight, but Mani groaned, “Enough!”
She clapped her hands, filling the air with sparks. Everyone gasped again and stepped back further. The guards lowered their weapons.
“She’s a witch!” a guard screamed, pointing at Mani and looking to the others for support.
“And I hope for the city’s sake you’re the least bright soldier there is. Gods help us if it gets worse than this one,” Mani snarked and stalked past them for the stairs to the castle. I smiled at the face he made, it was confusion at first as he solved the insult she’d fired at him and then felt injured by it.
“You will not kill Lord Enderby too, assassin!” the guard with the wounded pride and bleeding neck yelled as he charged at me.
“She isn’t here to kill anyone, stand down!” Lord Enderby shouted from the top of the stairs. He appeared different today. Nobler. He stepped down to us, greeting me with a deep bow. I returned the gesture though it was not owed to him being lower than me in station. It was a sign of respect on my part.
He turned to the crowd, lifting his voice and speaking with authority, “Princess Amillia Morgentstein is sister to the rightful king of all of Enderoth! We in Marana should be grateful she has graced us with her presence!” His proclamation brought gasps throughout the crowd.
“She killed the king and the entire royal family!” the bleeding guard screamed, not letting this one die.
“The entire family is not dead. There is a remaining heir. One of the princes survived the attack, barely, and he told us it was his grandfather who murdered the royals. King Errol killed everyone in the castle and then himself.”
Again the crowd gasped.
“Prince Thomas will be the Steward of Marana and I his regent seat. These are the wishes of King Michael!” Lord Enderby turned to me. “And to speak otherwise is treason.”
I nodded at him, appreciating the efforts on his part.
“King Michael has sent an army to come and help clean our streets and bring trade and merchants back to our ports. Gone are the days of corruption and greed!” Lord Enderby held his arms out. “We are finally free people with a just ruler who cares for us and not the size of his pile of gold. This is his sister, but you know her well as the assassin who has ended tyranny on the shores of this great continent.”
My skin shivered as he spoke.
“She and her family have saved us all. And the corrupt and cruel whose success was bought on the backs of the working men and women of this kingdom will tell you otherwise. They will say she is a killer and a murderer and dangerous. But that is a lie, my friends. She has been sent to us by prophecy and the gods to save us from the unethical practices that have become commonplace in Enderoth.” He stepped closer to them, the crowd hanging on his next words, near silent as they waited. “When our king plotted with conspirators and killed most of her family, she didn’t sit by. She and her brothers stood and fought for what is right. They have claimed the seat of Enderoth which is rightfully theirs to take back. They have united us to create strength, so a coup such as what happened to them won’t come for any of us in the night when we least expect it.”
He turned to me, holding out a hand.
“This is the warrior princess who we owe our freedom to. In a year’s time, when your table is filled with food and our city is peaceful for the first time in a lifetime of hunger and inequality, this is who we will thank!”
/>
The crowd cheered.
My skin flushed but I forced myself to stand tall as the guards who had mistreated me shrank back.
“You lot, go to the city’s entrance and meet the army coming from Strath. Allow them a peaceful entrance and bring them here,” Lord Enderby said, pointing at the guards at the gates. He turned back to me. “Shall we?” He gestured at the stairs.
“We shall.” I joined him and Mani on the walk up the steps to the castle. Everywhere we walked, teams of people were coming and going in a rush, cleaning and organizing the debris left behind by a mad king.
“Thank you for taking this role,” I said softly. “My brother is incredibly grateful.” I lowered my gaze. “I don’t know when I’ve seen him happier than when I gave him the news of your acceptance.”
“I didn’t do—”
“I know. But thank you just the same.”
His eyes met mine as he entered a room that seemed to be refreshed. The walls were clean and the stench was gone. There was a fresh bowl of fruit on the table and linens. It was noticeably missing bloodstains and piss in the corners. “Your army will help us gain control of the city again.”
“Our army,” I reminded him. “One kingdom.”
His stare remained on mine for a moment before he finally nodded. “One kingdom.”
“Speaking of which, my brother will arrive here within a fortnight, courtesy of our aunt, to discuss your council members and needs to bring prosperity to your people.” I nodded at Mani who smiled politely at Lord Enderby. I wondered if he suspected who she was. The disguise was done purposely so he wouldn’t, but he seemed sharper than anyone else I’d met. I found myself drawn to him the way I was my father or Master Lindley. He was wise and formidable and yet seemed safe and kind. Though I imagined landing on his bad side was an experience I might not enjoy.
“He will arrive, as in poof and he is here?” Lord Enderby gestured with his hands and laughed.
“He will.”
“Then I suppose I should be on my best behavior,” he chided.
